Free music tuition a way out of poverty that must be embraced by government

The debate for investment in musical instrumental tuition is currently enjoying a high profile in the UK, following the worst ever round of cuts by local authorities in Scotland, and grave concerns in England about music education in all forms, including instrumental tuition, being eradicated from the curriculum.

The arguments for investment are powerful, compelling and well known. The returns on the investment are clear. Our politicians are now feeling a groundswell of support among their voters for music education to be taken seriously in our schools.

Children need to be nourished with education in the arts, just as they require academic education, and just as they need opportunities to play sport. The surest way out of poverty is education. Musical instrument education is one of our most powerful tools to boost attainment at school and address any number of wider challenges in society.

Fees for education in state schools are an increasing feature of life in Scotland. This is highly regrettable. In Scotland, a petition to the Scottish Parliament to ringfence the necessary funds to ensure all children have free access to instrumental tuition closes for signatures on 19 June: www. parliament.scot/gettinginvolved/petitions/pe01694

It is gaining a worldwide profile thanks to a music campaign on Facebook called #changethetune.

Videos of support from children’s bands in New York City and the Mbale Schools Band in Uganda have captured the spirit of the campaign.

It is a frightening fact that we are caving in to fees. They do not save jobs. They do not allow an inclusive approach to education. Fees in state schools exclude children, particularly those from less well-off backgrounds.

Our world class Instrumental Music Services in Scotland’s local authorities are being dismantled. This is wrong. These vital services should be developed.

We, the undersigned, urge everyone to sign this petition to the Scottish Parliament. We hope other nations will follow our lead. SIR JAMES MACMILLAN CBE Composer, conductor SALLY BEAMISH

Composer MARTYN BRABBINS

Music Director English National Opera JOHN BUTT OBE Professor of Music Glasgow University HARRY CHRISTOPHERS CBE Founder and conductor

The Sixteen PHIL CUNNINGHAM MBE

Folk musician, CAROL MAIN MBE Director Live Music

Now Scotland JOANNA MACGREGOR OBE concert pianist

JIM PRIME keyboards, Deacon Blue

SEAN SHIBE classical guitarist GARRY WALKER Professor of Conducting Royal Conservatoire of Scotland

JOHN WALLACE CBE Principal, Royal Conservatoire of

Scotland, 2002-2014 DONALD RUNNICLES OBE

Conductor Emeritus BBC Scottish Symphony

Orchestra THE AYOUB SISTERS

Classical duo